Okay, so I'm eating a little crow here, having launched into something that I've resisted for years--that being the "social networking" site of Facebook. I finally buckled and let my media management set me up with a friend page and a fan page there to give some promo to the upcoming release of Where Grace Abides (two weeks away--October 1!).
Save the snickers and snorts and chuckly emails. Unless this works out a whole lot better than I anticipate, given my terminal introverted personality, it may be only a temporary measure. But in the meantime, if you're interested in signing up as a "fan" or in "friending me," be my guest at the following links:
Because I know there are a number of us who are readers and enthusiastic fans of Dean Koontz, I wanted to give a heads-up on a book unlike anything he's written before. I've read two biographies of him and several interviews, but I don't believe I've ever read anything in which he's as vulnerable and as open as he is in this book. I honestly laughed ... and cried ... my way through it.
It's no secret to any of us that he dearly loved his golden retriever, Trixie, who died when she was twelve. She even had a blog of her own and was allowed to speak her mind on numerous occasions.
I'll admit to being biased when it comes to golden retrievers--having owned three, I can attest to their intelligence, their bottomless capacity for love, comedy, and understanding. So the fact that one of our busiest and most successful authors would take time to write a book that's both tribute to and memoir of his dog doesn't surprise me, not a bit. It seems only fitting.
But there's a lot more than tribute and memoir in this book. You know it after reading the first few pages, and when you reach the end, you may not consciously understand that you've been instructed in wisdom and blessed by someone else's encounter with love, but trust me--you'll never look at a dog in quite the same way again ... and you'll know Dean Koontz even better than you thought you did. You'll also learn a few things you might not have fully grasped before.
Dean Koontz's writing is elegant, insightful, and moving--as always. Just a taste: "In this big world, she was a little thing, but in all the ways that mattered, including the effect she had on those who loved her, she lived a big life. In each little life, we can see great truth and beauty, and in each little life we glimpse the way of all things in the universe. If we allow ourselves to be enchanted by the beauty of the ordinary, we begin to see that all things are extraordinary. If we allow ourselves to be humbled by what we do not and cannot know, in our humility we are exalted. If we allow ourselves to recognize the mystery and the wonder of existence, our fogged minds clear. Thinking clearly, we follow wonder to awe, and in a state of awe, we are as close to true wisdom as we will ever be. Trixie was innocent and joyful, but also at times enigmatic and solemn. I learned as much from this good dog as from all my years in school." (DK)
A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog, by Dean Koontz. It's a wonder.
Just to let you know that, unless something of huge consequence occurs, I'll be absent from Grace Notes for a time. Need to complete the WIP, plus I have a stack of research to get through as well.
Unless I should hear of an invasion of galactic book-eating monsters or the cancellation of "24" --or the release of a brand-shiny-new-and-the-coolest-Mac-ever--I'll be out of touch until I can once more see the light at the end of the tunnel.
In the meantime, you can contact me through email or "tweet" me.
Some of the questions circulating among writers these days have to do with online video trailers for books: Why use them? How effective are they? Is this just another trend? Do they really help sell books?
For my part, I love giving my readers a "teaser" that will introduce them to the heart of the story and give them at least a peek at the setting.
My book videos have received thousands of views from the many places the experts at PulsePoint Design, (who have created the trailers for three of my novels- American Anthem, Rachel's Secret, and Song of Erin) have distributed them. And these trailers have elicited wonderful feedback from readers all over the world who learned about my work through the videos.
Here are just a few of those comments:
Wow!!! I haven't heard of this movie(?) before. Thanks for posting this. I have to see it now!" - Christina Hogan (My design firm wrote and explained the video was a promo for a book available right now in her local bookstore)
"Wow!" – Birfin Adzimba from Russia
"I'm gonna buy the book first thing tomorrow :)" – Basima Sabbagh
"I am definitely buying this book!!" – Ana Izquierdo from New York
"I'm a big BJ Hoff fan, and I think this video perfectly captures the spirit of her wonderful novels! Beautifully done." - SongLover7
Other than my own experiences with this great new technology, I don't claim to have specific answers to the questions about video value I'm often asked, but I do think the questions are valid and would like to provide at least some information.
Following is an article written by Kelli Standish at PulsePoint Design that I believe you'll find interesting. Hopefully, it will help to answer some of the above-mentioned questions and some of your own, so read on.
BJ
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(reprinted by permission)
"They’re out there…flashing, teasing, intriguing, beguiling, scrolling, thundering, and occasionally boring us comatose. Have you seen them?
Whatever name you use, whether it’s: Book Trailer™, Book Preview, Book Video, Book Teaser, Book Clip, Book Short, or Book Flick, these products of the Internet Generation are becoming more common every day.
But are they worth the investment? Do they influence sales? Are current trends moving to or away from Internet video?
If you’re wondering what all the hype is about, and whether this is something you should pursue, read on! This article is written with you in mind.
What Are These Book Video Things?
Wikipedia defines a book trailer/video/teaser as:
“A video advertisement for a book which employs techniques similar to those of movie trailers. They are circulated on television and online in most common digital video formats.”
Basically, a book video is a brief, (hopefully) entertaining teaser that presents intriguing bits of the plot to readers, or features clips of the author interspersed with plot points, while using a contemporary visual medium to draw new audiences to the book.
A quality book promotion video, like well-written back cover copy, will intrigue while maintaining the mystique and promise of the story.
Do People Actually Watch Online Video?
Consider this: Google recently modified its search engine results to include video in the main search pages, not just in the video sub tab.
In the coming year, Google also plans to modify how they rank web sites in search engine results. Sites that feature "engagement objects", including audio and video, will receive higher placement in search results pages.
The writers strike last November that robbed us all of new episodes of LOST (sob!) was staged primarily because writers felt they were being deprived of the major profits studios gained from online and digital media consumption.
And there’s more:
According to comScore estimates 73% of U.S. Internet users viewed video online in February, 2008.
eMarketer estimates that one in two Americans, or 154 million people, will watch an online video at least once a month in 2008, and that audience size for online video will hit 190 million by 2012.
A study by Nielson Online shows traffic to online video sharing sites has more than doubled since November of 2007. YouTube claims an 18% increase in traffic, while video start-up Crackle, has seen traffic double to 2.4 million users.
A new study from the Solutions Research Group shows a MAJOR increase in people viewing primetime programming on the internet in the past year. SRG says that almost 80 million Americans — 43% of the online population — have watched one of their favorite shows on the internet. That’s up significantly from 25% a year ago.
Pew Internet & American Life recently released a study showing that 53% of men and 43% of women watch online video, and over 70% of Internet users under the age of thirty actively visit video-sharing sites.
Simmons, a unit of Experian Research Services, suggests that consumers are 47% more engaged in television commercials online than on television. The study also found that people are 18% more engaged in ads online, as opposed to print versions in magazines.
A new report from the Convergence Consulting Group suggests that by the end of the decade, “about one out of every four times somebody sits down to watch a show, they’ll be facing a computer monitor or a television connected to a computer.”
And according to the “Streaming Media, IPTV, and Broadband Transport: Telecommunications Carriers and Entertainment Services 2008-2013″ report from Insight Research, streaming online video and music revenue is expected to increase at an annual growth rate of 29% over the next five years.
What Does This Mean For Authors?
It means that television viewers are migrating to the Internet for their entertainment. It means that more users than ever are sharing and watching online video. And it means that if you want to meet them when they arrive at your cyberdoor, a book video or trailer could be a solid addition to your book promotion arsenal.
Videos are sharable, promotable long after your book’s release date, and they capture the attention of potential readers in a way back cover copy cannot.
ABA Publishers Turn to Video:
A recent article from the Christian Science Monitor entitled “Why Book Tours are Passé” confirms the move toward book promos and online video by ABA publishing houses, saying
“Author readings and signing sessions, once the staple of publishing publicity, are being usurped by virtual encounters and promotional videos.”
Penguin’s UK branch recently ran a world-wide competition for creation of a book video for author Chris Mooney’s The Missing. (See the winner of the competition on Penguin’s web site.)
Author Dean Koontz, in partnership with Random House, recently ran a competition for a book promo video for his latest book, The Good Guy.
Smaller presses such as Kunatiand Mercat Press of Scotland are also featuring book videos.
I’m wrapping up here, but I should mention just a quick word about the awards and new frontiers in book promotion that have sprung up in response to this fresh art form.
The Moving Stories Film Festivalwas created specifically to highlight book video excellence, and the well-known review magazine, Kirkus Reviews in partnership with Random House, has sponsored the Teen Book Video Awards several years in a row. And the Telly Awards known for their awards of excellence in the Television industry, have recently expanded to include online videos and book promos as well.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” ” Isaiah 30:21
Here at PulsePoint Design, we’re strong advocates of trailers and online video. Not because we believe in chasing trends, or even in setting them (although we do lean toward that second one:). We advocate the use of this medium because it’s another way to use today’s technology to love and uplift your readers. To reach out to them, and to share your heart and the beauty of your story.
With that said, I hope very much that NO ONE will go away from this post feeling terrified that they must get their own online video or else. The reality is that God can do marvelous things with the work of your hands, whether you have some fancy online trailer or not.
Online video is a useful tool for spreading the word about books in a new way. But like every other promotional medium, it is not one-size-fits-all. Not all authors are comfortable in front of a camera. Not all books lend themselves to trailers.
Ultimately, you must listen to the Coach in your heart, and invest where God directs you to invest. This is true of your time, your energy, and your technology!"
Every now and then we all need to watch a movie that makes us feel good. With all the dark and gritty, depressing, desolate films released over the past few years, it's fair to want to shout "give me a break!" A break from the lack of story, lack of redemption, and lack of hope that permeate so many contemporary films.
We have some favorite "family films" we turn to when we want to watch something that doesn't make us feel like taking a shower at the end or jumping off a bridge. High on the list is a simple, "homespun" movie made a few years ago called Because of Winn-Dixie, which we've watched a number of times--most recently a few nights ago.
You get the feeling it was made from the heart, though it's not syrupy, and it captures a variety of emotions without being deliberately sentimental or manipulative. I suppose you could call it a coming-of-age film, but it's more than that. Among all our friends and family who have watched it, it's more common than not to hear that the adults enjoyed it every bit as much as their children did.
Briefly, it's about a lonely young girl growing up in Florida with a reserved, emotionally wounded preacher-father, who's also lonely. Not only are their lives changed by a scruffy, orphaned dog, but so are numerous other lives in the small town where they live. It cements what I've always believed: every child should have the experience of growing up with a dog!
Yet it's not a "dog movie," and the dog--wonderful and funny as he is--is not the "star" of the film. If there is a star, it's the town and its people. The talented young Annasophia Robb lends a very real presence to the screen. Jeff Daniels, a highly underrated actor, plays the father with emotional honesty and pathos without attempting to wring pity from the viewer. The wonderful Cecily Tyson's performance as an elderly blind woman with a heart that sees what others can't is brilliant, while Eva Marie Saint is classic in a role that lets her natural elegance shine through. And Dave Matthews--yes, that Dave Matthews--has an understated but forceful role that makes you wonder why he doesn't appear on screen more often.
The book on which the movie was based is so good that a few readers took issue with some minor changes in the movie--but the changes really are minor and in no way do they mar the integrity of the book.
I could tag this with a lot of adjectives--"heartwarming," "charming," and "funny" to name a few--but it somehow seems to cheapen the overall magic of the story to try to describe it. If you've missed this one, you've missed something special. If this is one of those times you need something to make you feel good--try it. I can almost promise you you'll come away smiling and touched by hope.
I'm not sure what to call this: a pet peeve, perhaps? It's not merely political correctness, although that's often part of the picture. It's not as simple as the misuse of words or phrases, although sometimes that's what it amounts to. It's not necessarily a deliberate ploy to undermine or soften a situation, or skirt an issue--except in politics, and then ... yes, there's that. Let's just say that it is a pet peeve and lump it all under the same umbrella for now.
The "it" I'm referring to appears frequently in the media, often initiated by politics or politicians, and sometimes by a kind of laziness or outright bias on the part of commentators and journalists. I'm referring to the annoying substitution and changes of perfectly legitimate words and phrases by others that seem, well ... inappropriate or meaningless or downright silly.
For example: the former "global war on terror" has recently ended, replaced by an "overseas contingency operation." Catchy, isn't it?
And then there's "investing" instead of "spending." And "terrorism" has become "man-caused disasters." "Enemy combatants" are no more: they're now "persons whom the President has the right to detain." Look for that one in the next update of your favorite dictionary.
We hear a lot these days about "bailouts," but more often they're just another part of the "stimulus plan." (Personally, I think "porkulus plan" says it all.)
Substituting an "unfortunate error" or "bad decision" is the new standard for sin. Politicians are especially fond of this one. But remember when sin was just ... sin?
We don't clean up our act any longer. We "move forward."
And I know this is trivial--so trivial I'm not even sure why it annoys me, but when a classy-looking, supposedly well-educated news reporter refers to police officers as "cops" or children as "kids" and a collective group of men and women as "guys" or an object of some particular interest as "this puppy," I get a strong urge to call out the slang police.
I know, I know--there's no hill to die on in any of this, but I said it was a pet peeve, didn't I?
This is one of those "little of this, and a little of that" entries that most likely no one but readers and writers will finish reading. But that's perfectly all right, because Grace Notes began as a web log for readers and writers!
I was thinking the other day about what attracts me to the work of certain writers. Not that I could isolate only one facet per writer. Most writers I read regularly offer a number of different elements in their work that appeals to me or at least "hooks" me for one reason or another. But there are some writers I read often enough that it's become easy to know what I can expect from each. I don't have time for a complete list, of course, but here's a sampling:
For example: Writers who compel me to think and even challenge my beliefs include: Jodi Picoult. Richard North Patterson. Flannery O'Connor. Anne Tyler. Lisa Samson. Angela Hunt.
Writers who give me a strong story in a mix of both literary and commercial fiction, and usually with psychological insights: Jodi Picoult (again). Anita Shreve. Alice Hoffman. Jamie Langston Turner. Pat Conroy. Leif Enger. Niall Williams. Joyce Carol Oates. Patty Hickman. Khaled Hosseini. W. Dale Cramer. Susan Howatch. Ann Tatlock.
If I'm in the mood for a creepy evening and a few genuine chills, I can turn to--Stephen King. Travis Thrasher. Dean Koontz (who can also tug at my heart with his winsome characters and wonderful dogs).
A good love story? A fine romance? Or just general women's fiction? So many to choose from! LuAnne Rice. Deb Raney. LaVyrle Spencer. Charles Martin. Sara Donati. Debbie Macomber. Robin Lee Hatcher. Belva Plain.
Sometimes I crave a good mystery, suspense, and/or courtroom drama--John Grisham. Richard North Patterson (again). John Hart. Anne Perry. Elizabeth George. Brandt Dodson. Dean Koontz (again). Colleen Coble. Terri Blackstock. Mary Higgins Clark. Harlan Coben.
A grand story with a strong lacing of Irish--Frank Delaney. Frank McCourt. Frank O'Connor (his short stories). Thomas Flanagan. Pete Hamill. Morgan Llywelyn. Betty Smith. William Trevor (his short stories).
Fiction that keeps me guessing and surprises me--Angela Hunt (again). Jodi Picoult (yes, again!). Athol Dickson.
One of my first loves--historical fiction (including historical romance and Gothic romance)--Kevin Baker. Liz Curtis Higgs. Francine Rivers. Jane Kirkpatrick. Philippa Gregory. Stephen Lawhead. Gore Vidal. Jeff Shaara. Michael Shaara. Leon Uris. Sara Donati (again). Jack Cavanaugh. Taylor Caldwell. James Michener. Dorothy Dunnett. Victoria Holt. Phyllis Whitney. Susan Howatch.
Appalachian fiction--Silas House. Harriette Arnow. Janice Holt Giles. Denise Giardina. James Still. Jesse Stuart. Jan Karon. Mary Lee Settle. Lee Smith.
Sometimes you just need a story that warms your heart and makes you feel good-- Jan Karon. Janice Holt Giles.
And then there are those you read for the sheer poetry and beauty and rhythm of the language, among other reasons--Ann Tatlock (again). Niall Williams (again). Jamie Langston Turner (again). Silas House (again). Pete Hamill (again). Walter Macken.
Would love to see your own lists, either here in the comments, or on your own blog.
Interesting. Facebook has now made a brief announcement that it is reverting to its former "Terms of Use." This, after revealing earlier this month that it was granting itself permanent rights to users' photos, wall posts and other information even after a user closed an account. You can read about the backlash from Facebook users that may well have caused them to retreat here. Thousands of members either canceled their accounts or created online petitions in protest.
Even so, those of you who use the social network may want to take note of the fact that the company is still in the process of "rewording" their Terms of Use. You might even want to check it every now and then to make sure something new hasn't sneaked through again.
Angie seemed to think I'd respond to this, so I'll play. Here's what you're supposed to do...use only one word for each of the following...and please don't spoil the fun...copy and paste into your own note, type in your answers and tag a bunch of people. I want to keep my friends, so I'm inviting anyone who wants to play!
Where is your cell phone....................desk Your hair....................................... wild Your father....................................William Your favorite thing...........................pets Your dream last night........................weird Your favorite drink........................... coffee Your dream/goal.............................peace The room you are in..........................office Your fear.......................................spiders Where do you want to be in 6 years.......writing Muffins..........................................corn One of your wish list items...................Wolfhound Where you grew up...........................mountains The last thing you did.........................email What are you wearing........................jeans Your TV.........................................24 Your pets........................................dog-cat Your computer.................................MacBook (Pro) Your life..........................................unpredictable Your mood.......................................pensive Missing someone...............................no Your car..........................................Altima Favorite store...................................Apple Your summer.....................................yuck! Your favorite color.............................teal When is the last time you laughed...........today Last time you cried.............................shh!
Three people who email me....................Janet, Nick, Angie
Three of my favorite foods...................pizza, salad, strawberries
Three places I would rather be right now...where I am Three people I think will respond.............anyone
Book reading right now . . . CAST A BLUE SHADOW, by P.L. Gaus
Every now and then I like to point you to other web sites or blogs that feature interesting posts. This seemed like a good time to do just that--especially since I don't have an interesting entry for today. So take a peek at the following, and enjoy:
For you history lovers, Tricia Goyer's blog takes a fascinating look at the 1500s and how some of our more common sayings originated.
At his blog, Richard Mabry makes a concise and important point about success not being the "default position." An especially helpful entry for newly published or as yet unpublished writers, but there's good food for thought for those farther along the publishing road as well.
At her blog, A Life in Pages Angela Hunt provides a fascinating look at her writing routine. If you're interested in how one of CBA's most prolific writers of real excellence manages to organize and produce so brilliantly, you have to read this! (I confess that I can't lay a claim to even a small portion of Angie's awe-inspiring organizational skills. Nonetheless, I continue to be fascinated by them.)
Literary agent, Rachelle Gardner discusses the Kindle with her post, It's the 21st Century, Like It or Not . As a Kindle owner, I use mine to read only books and publications I won't be highlighting for research purposes--that's the only flaw I've found so far with the unit; it's still easier to highlight on paper. The Kindle will never take the place of "real books" for me, but it definitely serves a purpose and has a place, especially with those who travel a lot or those who like to take along more than one book on vacation or to appointments without the inconvenience of lugging around the weight, and--a feature I especially appreciate--for night reading when the eyes are already tired from a day's work at the computer. You can increase the size of the font, and that's a huge help. And if your house is already running over with books from years of reading, there's also the fact that it helps to save space! Rachelle makes some interesting observations, and the input from her readers is worthwhile, too.
Loved this entry -- I Want To Be God's Dog -- at Patrick Mead's blog. Of course, I already spend too much time reading Patrick's fascinating, often funny, but always profound blog entries, so I shouldn't be surprised to find the appeal in this one.
Please note that the books listed in this sidebar under "What I'm Reading" and "Recently Read" do not in any way represent a recommendation. These are simply lists of some of the books I'm currently reading and have recently read, not a "thumbs-up" for any single title. Don't blame me for content you dislike or disapprove of--I didn't write them. -BJ
